Oratory Speech Structure

Oratorical speech is different from regular speech. In regular speech, you just communicate your ideas to the audience. In oratory speech, the aim is to convince the audience of your ideas. The audience may be composed of people with different views on the topic. So oratory should be structured in such a way as to address a majority of the viewpoints associated with the topic.

Oratory Speech Structure

The basic speech structure consists of three components – the introduction, the body and the conclusion. In the introduction, the topic is introduced to the audience and you put before the audience the main points of your speech. You inform them what areas related to the topic will be covered in the speech. In the body of the speech, each issue is discussed in detail. And in the conclusion, you summarize the main points of the speech and emphasize the take-home points again. Prepare a broad outline for each of the three components before writing the speech. Preparation of an outline helps you to stick to the point better and prevents rambling.

The Introduction

The introduction needs an attention-getting phrase or word to engage the audience. The attention-getter must then be linked to your topic. Next state the significance of the topic and the purpose of your speech. Inform the audience about the areas of the topic you intend to touch upon and how it will interest them. For instance, if you are talking about environmental issues, you may want to share an interesting case study. This creates common ground with the audience and gives them a reason to listen to you.

The Body

The body covers the main part of the speech. You need to put forth your key points with adequate backing and evidence. The oratory speech structure may follow either an informative format or a persuasive format. The difference between the two formats lies at this stage. In an informative format, the body of the speech essentially talks about the past, present and the future outlook for the topic under discussion. In a persuasive format, the focus is on the problem, cause and solution for a particular aspect of the topic. In general, the persuasive format is preferred over the informative format for making effective oratorical speeches.

The Conclusion

Present a well-thought-out conclusion to make a lasting impression on the audience. If the conclusion is lame, all the good work done in the body of the speech will be in vain. Summarize the main points of the speech. Offer justification of your viewpoint on the topic and restate the purpose of the speech. Invite the audience to be a part of the solution to tackle environmental issues, if that is your topic. Give the audience an action to pursue. Use an appropriate attention-getter to close the speech. This may be linked to the introduction attention-getter.

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About the Author

Hailing out of Pittsburgh, Pa., David Stewart has been writing articles since 2004, specializing in consumer-oriented pieces. He holds an associate degree in specialized technology from the Pittsburgh Technical Institute.